Extreme weather - is your business prepared?

Events over recent years have left little room for doubt that the climate is changing and extreme weather events at home and abroad are causing havoc to homes and businesses. Unfortunately, extreme weather is becoming more regular in the UK, therefore it’s vital your business is prepared and protected.

Hurricanes, floods and fires

Whilst extremes of weather may more typically be associated with tropical climates, the United States and areas of Europe, closer to home, in the UK, a growing series of storms and wildfires regularly damage property. In 2021, Storm Christoph brought heavy, and at times record breaking rain to parts of the UK, Storm Arwen brought high winds, flooding and power cuts, and Storm Barra prompted more than 40 flood alerts. Even in July 2021, storms brought severe flooding to the east of England and London.

Wild weather in the UK

The UK’s climate is influenced by systems originating from the Atlantic and the European landmass. This combination results in the wet and unpredictable weather conditions our shores are known for.

Does the UK have a flood season?

The UK doesn’t have a specified flood season and the Environment Agency advises that floods can happen at any time. Whilst July 2021 saw the highest ever number of flood-related insurance claims from commercial properties, doubling the previous record, autumn and winter remain the seasons when flood risk is generally at its highest.

Who’s at risk from flooding?

According to the Environment Agency, as many as 5.2m homes and businesses across the UK are at risk from flooding, while some estimates suggest that as many as 30% of all commercial properties could be at risk.

The impact of flooding on businesses can be high. The average cost of flood damage currently stands at around £82,000. Some businesses can even lose up to 50 working days when they experience flooding, in turn leading to a loss of custom and reputational damage.

Take steps to manage your risk from flooding and from other emergencies

It’s critical you’re well prepared for all weather scenarios. As an employer, you have a legal duty to ensure the workplace remains safe. That means it’s important to have a business continuity plan to guarantee arrangements are in place should your business be disrupted. The plan should be based on work environment risk assessments and be designed to ensure businesses can cope with the challenges caused by extreme weather conditions and other emergencies, such as a fire.

Risk management – knowledge, preparation and communication

Some floods cannot be completely avoided, but there are preventive measures you can take to minimise damage to your business if the worst should happen:

• Sign up for alerts from the Environment Agency, the National Resources Wales or the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to receive timely flood warning messages
• Conduct a thorough risk assessment of the premises to identify potential at-risk areas; any risks identified, devise and put in place an appropriate solution
• Have non-return valves installed on drains as well as inlet and outlet water pipes
• Develop a flood contingency plan with your suppliers and clients
• While your plan will be unique to your business, we recommend all business flood plans should at least include the following:
• A list of important contact information, including Floodline (0345 988 1188) and any flood warning systems, building services, suppliers and evacuation contacts
• A map showing locations of supplies, protective materials and shut-off points
• An outline of basic strategies for protecting employees, property, ensuring health and safety, minimising business disruptions and facilitating recovery
• Procedural checklists for staff to use during a flood, protecting them and your business with expert advice

Protect your business with expert advice and guidance

As tempting as it might be to think ‘that’ll never happen to us’, investing in business interruption insurance and a business continuity plan can help your business recover from a flood event or other case of extreme weather.

An often-invaluable cover, business interruption insurance safeguards your business by covering ongoing expenses and lost profit while the permanent business location is being repaired. Business interruption insurance can also help you to cover fixed ongoing costs such as payroll and the increased cost of working during periods of disruption and recovery.

Further support and advice can also be sought from the Environment Agency or provided through our training and consultancy services.

Source: Dave Wright GradIOSH